Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Lincoln is 12% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,045/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ≈ Same
$69,991/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 11%
$248,200 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 25%
$1,140/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 6%
291,932
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,522/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Lincoln or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Amarillo?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Amarillo?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $7,522/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

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